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Overview

M.S. in Historic Preservation from Pratt Institute

The Master of Science in Historic Preservation program at Pratt Institute focuses on heritage and public policy. It provides students with an in-depth understanding of preservation policies and methods within a broad historical and social context. The program also prepares students for careers in the field as they work with faculty with practical experience and as they participate in valuable internships.

The program is a part of the Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment (GCPE) in the School of Architecture. GCPE's mission is to "create and sustain a learning community of students, faculty, and alumni that is characterized by innovative professional practice and that emphasizes planning and preservation approaches rooted in the principles of sustainability, equity, and public participation."

The School of Architecture

The School of Architecture is dedicated to educating individuals who will become leaders of the design, planning, and management disciplines in the fields of architecture, urban design, city and regional planning, construction and facilities management, environmental management, and historic preservation.

The school's programs are built upon a "broad cultural and analytical base in the liberal arts and sciences" and provide specialized knowledge that is unique to individual disciplines. Furthermore, its studio-based curricula and research oriented thesis programs emphasize independent learning.

Faculty with Practical Experience

The School of Architecture's faculty consists of professionals who bring a wealth of real world preservation practice to the classroom. They are architects, designers, and historians who have experience working in the private, government, and not-for-profit sectors.

For instance, adjunct assistant professor Mike Flynn is the director of capital planning at the New York City (NYC) Department of Transportation. He co-authored the "New York City Street Design Manual" and has designed and implemented a number of street design projects in NYC including pedestrian plazas, bicycle facilities, and safety improvements.

Curriculum for the M.S. in Historic Preservation Program

The 44-credit M.S. Program in Historic Preservation can be completed in 2 years. It draws upon the college's interdisciplinary strengths in architecture; urban design; and city, regional, and environmental planning.

Students gain a thorough understanding of cultural heritage issues, law, and policy. They also acquire documentation, evaluation, communication, and interpretative skills. Case studies, internships, and interaction with community leaders and practitioners help students gain practical experience in the field.

Core courses include Concepts of Heritage, Adaptive Re-use, Architecture and Urban Form, and the Preservation Colloquium; elective courses include Main Street and Revitalization, Green Buildings, and Public History. Students may also conduct independent research on topics of interest as long as they receive approval from the graduate faculty and chairperson.

Valuable Internships

Because New York City is rich in architecture, history, and culture, students have the opportunity to complete internships at prestigious organizations such as the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission and at architectural companies.

Students work at the "cutting-edge" of the field and gain the skills and mindset needed to flourish in a variety of professional environments.

Graduate Student Life at Pratt

Pratt Institute is a diverse community that provides plenty of opportunities -- including clubs, student government, fitness facilities, athletic programs, and special events -- for graduate students to create well-rounded lives. These co-curricula activities provide students with numerous recreational options, enhance their cultural understanding, help them build social connections, and promote their personal and academic growth.

In addition, community service projects help students connect with the larger community and enrich their academic experience.

Students can also discover or strengthen their spiritual journeys through the campus ministry. In fact, Pratt's campus ministry and counseling center work together to ensure that students maintain spiritual and psychological well-being.

Graduate Student Housing

Pratt provides a limited amount of on-campus housing for graduate students, but most students find off-campus housing. The Office of Residential Life maintains a list of off-campus housing options that includes apartments, lofts, and brownstones. It also posts roommate opportunities.

About Pratt Institute

Founded in 1887, Pratt Institute is the second largest independent college of art, design, and architecture in the United States. It is also the largest school of its kind in the northeastern region of the country.

Pratt offers 4,600 students 24 undergraduate programs and 26 master's degree programs. The college's mission is to provide educational programs that help artists and creative professionals become responsible contributors to society.

To this end, it assists students in developing aesthetic judgment, professional knowledge, collaborative skills, and technical expertise.